Free tax preparation available starting Jan. 20 at Port Hueneme

VITA volunteers trained to get you more money

12:00 AM, Jan 6, 2010

Time to get that tax refund!

The Tax Center at Port Hueneme will open on Jan. 20. Volunteers for the VITA program can assist you in electronically filing your federal and state tax returns. VITA serves all active duty from all branches, retirees and their dependents, as well as all DOD personnel.

Remember, you will get your refund through VITA just as quickly as you would through any commercial tax preparers, if not faster, and VITA will usually save you more than $100 in preparation fees. Some commercial tax preparers can get you your refund on the spot. These refunds are called “refund anticipation loans.” In order to make a profit, these preparers will take a portion of your actual refund. You may get instant gratification, but if you use VITA, you will receive your entire refund and pay nothing in preparation fees. Why pay for a service that is offered to you at no charge?

Some commands have provided enough volunteers so that a VITA volunteer will be able to complete your taxes right at your command. Keep an eye out as to whether your command has one of these volunteers.

Please note that if VITA determines your return is complex (day trading, capital gains, etc.), VITA will try to give you an appointment for a later time with an experienced volunteer. This, however, is not guaranteed since this program is designed to assist people with fairly simple returns.

If you have any questions, feel free to stop by the Tax Center during the above hours once it’s open.

For information about VITA, please call the Naval Legal Service Office at 982-3124.